Jahnavi Kandula Wiki, Biography
Jahnavi Kandula, a 23-year-old student, was fatally struck by a Seattle police car on Monday, January 23, 2023. The police car was reportedly speeding to respond to a “high priority” call near Northeastern University, where Kandula studied.
The tragic incident occurred around 8 p.m. m. local time Monday near Dexter Avenue North and Thomas Street. Jahnavi Kandula was rushed to a nearby hospital after the incident, where she was pronounced dead.
Vanisudha Chilukuri launched a GoFundMe campaign to provide financial help to Kandula’s family. The fundraiser that launched about five days ago has raised $153,973 from more than 4,500 people.
Jahnavi Kandula was at a crosswalk when she was fatally struck by a Seattle police car
23-year-old graduate student Jahnavi Kandula faced a tragic fate after he was struck by a police vehicle in South Lake Union.
The victim was identified by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office as Kandula and his cause of death was listed as multiple blunt force injuries. Police have not released many details about the incident and have also not provided the identity of the officer driving the car. Jahnavi Kandula was at the crosswalk when she was fatally struck by the police patrol.
Detective Valerie Carson, a spokeswoman for the Seattle Police Department, said authorities are not investigating Jahnavi Kandula’s death as a use-of-force case. Carson continued:
“At this point in the investigation, we have no reason to believe that the officer intended to hit the woman.”
One news outlet reported that the police officer behind the wheel was put on a “day of release.” The Seattle Police Department updated an online post about the tragic incident. He stated that the collision is being investigated by SPD’s Traffic Collision Investigation Squad.
Shortly after 8:00 p.m. m. that day, responding officers arrived at the scene and found 23-year-old Jahnavi Kandula with life-threatening injuries to her. According to Fox News, police administered CPR to the graduate student before the Seattle Fire Department arrived. SFD officials administered other life-saving procedures and then rushed her to Harborview Medical Center. She was considered to be in critical condition.
SPD posted a statement on its online blotter which read:
“We want to acknowledge the many questions we received regarding the Monday night collision between an SPD officer and a pedestrian.”
He further added:
“As is the case with any serious motor vehicle collision, this incident is being investigated by the SPD Traffic Collision Investigation Squad, in accordance with SPD policy. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ms. Kandula. This incident is a terrible tragedy for everyone involved.”
According to authorities, the incident was accidental and therefore they refused to put the officer behind the wheel on leave. He joined two days after Jahnavi was fatally beaten. It has not yet been concluded whether the police vehicle stopped after hitting the 23-year-old.
The GoFundMe post read:
“Jahnavi’s sudden death has left a void that cannot be replaced, but we could at least help the bereaved family by contributing as much as possible to support her family during these difficult times.”
The 23-year-old Indian student was raised by a single mother.
Jahnavi Kandula was originally from Andhra Pradesh, India, and she was pursuing her master’s degree at Northeastern University’s Seattle campus. According to her family, she was a “bright” person and was raised by a single mother who works as a teacher in India.
Jahnavi’s uncle, Ashok Mandula, stated that the family was informed of his tragic death on Monday night.
He said:
“Our first priority is to get her [Jahnavi Kandula] home so her family can see her.”
The Seattle Police Department told the media:
“We will provide all information that can be released publicly, including the report, once we are able to do so, and in consultation with the family.”
A parade and vigil in honor of Jahnavi Kandula was held on Friday. Cyclist Joe Hand addressed the incident, saying:
“I think tonight’s case highlights how danger can come from any corner of our city, even those tasked with protecting us choose to create actions that kill people.”
It was also further mentioned in the fundraiser post that the Telugu Association of North America has been helping the family deal with the formalities related to the remains of the young woman.
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